Breadth 2: Role of the People (Civillians) Flashcards
What is the difference between Total War and Limited War?
Limited War: Doesn’t affect citizens personally; is fought abroad or doesn’t impact a vast majority of people. Only a few external companies deal with supplies and equipment.
Total War: Affects all civilians. They are expected to ration food and contribute to the war effort. Men are conscripted, and women and older men take their place in industries. THE ONLY TOTAL WAR IN THIS TOPIC IS WW1.
How did the Bank of England impact the financing of the wars?
It was responsible for managing government debt and could issue government bonds, which gave the British an advantage over other countries, which had to pay in cash.
Promissory Notes were issued when the government commissioned work.
Government bonds became more lucrative as the Bank of England allowed the government to raise more money than its enemies. This provided the Army with a steady flow of cash.
What did William Pitt introduce after the American War of Independence?
Indirect tax reforms that increased government revenue to £18.6 million in 1792. He also reduced the national debt to £170 million.
When was the Income Tax Act passed and what did it do?
It was passed in 1798 as a temporary measure.
It taxed people earning over £60, affecting only those in the higher classes. It earned an extra £6 million for the treasury. Windows, dogs and silk were some things that were taxed.
Why were British finances for war relatively stable during most of the 19th century?
Many wars being fought were colonial wars, so they didn’t require many resources due to the enemy being poorly equipped. The only war that required borrowing was the Crimean War, paid partly by the issuing of consols (consolidated annuities.)
How much did the national debt increase to because of WW1 and why did this happen?
National debt increased to £7,800 million in 1918.
This was caused by borrowing from British and international institutions, direct loans from other countries, and the introduction of ‘war bonds’ (investments that would be undertaken by people who would receive their investment plus interest back in 5 years.)
How was government income increased throughout WW1?
Through war bonds - people trusted the government to repay them and trusted the Bank of England.
Through tax increases - Income Tax rate went from 3.75% to 30%. Less people were exempt because of pay rises in war.
Through Bank Notes - Bank notes were no longer tied to a value in gold, as the gold was kept for emergencies. It issued more bank notes than gold, which allowed the economy to keep running, but also increased inflation.
Who were camp followers?
They were people who followed the Army on campaigns. They could be related to a soldier in the Army, they could be trying to make some money (i.e. prostitutes, cutlers or victuallers), or they could be following out of patriotism, philanthropy or curiosity.
Why would a woman be compelled to follow the Army as a Camp Follower?
Women didn’t have equal rights to men, so making a living on their own would be difficult.
It is often a choice between being a Camp Follower or going to a workhouse.
There would be a supply of husbands as men were killed off due to the war.
Sense of camaraderie with other women.
Married women would have very little freedom otherwise.
Camp Followers were paid to do errands for soldiers.
What type of jobs would female Camp Followers do for the Army?
Medical Care - Medicine was not a priority of the Army, often attracting unqualified or poor surgeons. Wives in the baggage train had learned folk remedies, and were generally seen as ‘caring.’
Food - Rations were meagre and had to be cooked by the soldier himself. Those with wives following the Army would seek her out to make a palatable meal.
Uniforms - Army uniforms were of sub-par quality and many followers were handy with a needle and thread.
What types of jobs were profitable for a Camp Follower?
Prostitution
Selling alcohol and other luxuries
Practical Services (i.e. cobblers, gunsmiths and cutlers.)
What was the Contagious Diseases Act of 1864, and why was it controversial?
1 in 5 servicemen in the 1850s had succumbed to a venereal disease. To combat this, the Act meant that prostitutes were examined and, if found to be carrying disease, could be detained for up to 3 months.
It was controversial because women had to be examined against their will, whereas men were not even considered. The Act was repealed due to social reformers in 1886.
What were militia units like during the French Wars?
Cavalry militia units were known as ‘fencibles’ or ‘yeomanry.’
Infantry units were raised from each county; if a quota wasn’t reached, men could be pressed to serve.
In the 1790s, militia units were financed privately.
Many units were disbanded after the end of the French Wars.
What were the Army reserves like during the 19th century?
Controversial - Peterloo Massacre where the yeomanry killed 11 people.
Militia Act of 1852 provided a militia force of 80,000 men.
Cardwell and Childers reforms drew reservists closer to the Army, until Haldane Reforms made them integral.
What did the Defence of the Realm Act in 1914 do?
The government had more control over civilian lives.
You couldn’t fly a kite, buy binoculars, light a bonfire, or talk about military affairs in public, as spying was a big concern.
Pub opening hours were restricted and beer was watered down.
British Summer Time (BST) was introduced for more daylight working hours.
